The District 1-4A high school football regular season concludes tonight with three of El Paso's oldest and most storied rivalries: El Paso-Austin, Bowie-Jefferson and Andress-Irvin.

"These games matter," said Bowie coach Robert Padilla. "In some ways, they're the most important because of the history, the friendships and close ties. At Bowie, you could be 0-9, but if you beat Jefferson, many in this neighborhood say it's a successful season."

El Paso (3-6, 2-4 in district) hosts Austin (4-5, 2-4) in the 81st Battle of the Claw, the city's oldest and one of the state's longest contiguous rivalries. Neither team is going to the playoffs, but one wouldn't know otherwise.

After a decade of futility and nine straight losses, the Tigers have won two straight over Austin to make the series 53-26-1 in favor of Austin. They would like to make it three straight.

"It's still a big game for us," El Paso coach Robert Morales said. "We want to win this game. We don't want to give back the claw."

The Tigers will try to end a three-game losing streak that derailed their season and playoff hopes. They'll have to get their offense -- with athletes like Bryant Wolf and Andy Rivera -- going because when the opposing team scores more than 15 points, El Paso is just 1-6.

Austin has had no trouble scoring with the two-pronged rushing attack of Myles Douglas (1,116 rushing yards) and Andy Bañuelos (716 rushing yards). But the Panthers can't stop anyone, giving up 28 points a game.

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"We have to find ways to score," Morales said.

The Bears (5-4, 3-3) are in the playoffs. But they won't be taking their 63rd straight meeting with Jefferson (2-7, 1-5) lightly.

Bowie fell to the Silver Foxes last year, and returns most of its players.

Padilla won't rest anyone either. In fact, he wants to use this game as a stepping stone to the playoffs.

Reporter Evan Mohl

The Bears are still without quarterback Christopher Llamas, whose status is uncertain for the postseason. Bowie, which only averages 18 points a game, has been using Michael Portillo and Mathew Andujo, and Padilla is looking for one of them to emerge as the full-time starter or backup.

Those two will get a good test against a stout Jefferson defensive line, led by Andres Gallardo.

"This is going to be the biggest game of the year for Jefferson," Padilla said. "Until next week, it's going to be ours too."

Evan Mohl may be reached at emohl@elpasotimes.com;546-6381. Follow him on Twitter @EvanMohl.

Game of the night

What: Austin at El"Paso in a high school football game and the 81st annual Battle of the Claw.